What Would You Do? - Tampa,FL

I would have called the police immediately, written down her license plate in case she left before they arrived and asked the girl if she knew her address so I could report it to child protective services.

I would have called 911 and taken her tag number. There is no telling how many times before and how many times she will do it again! The next time it could be 100 degrees outside and they will die because of her selfishness and neglect! WOW - I cannot believe people really leave their children behind in a car - especially an infant and a 3 year old!!!!

This is serious child neglect! I would have called the police immediately.
I use to work for the sheriff's department.

When I was 19 living in NYC I walked to the Gap that was on 86th and Mad. Double parked in front was a white mercedes, running with a blond beautiful baby in the back seat. There was a security guard at the front door and asked if he saw the parent. He told me she was inside the store. So I SAT on the hood of her car till she came out. This was 20 yrs ago, so no cell phone. I was looking for a police car to flag down. 20 minutes later the woman came out with a shopping bag and was furious I was sitting on her car. I let her have it. Your child could have been taken, car hit etc. She was in tears and I didn't let up. I'm surprised that I was so impassioned as I was a teenager. Believe me she got the message. You always hear these terrible stories about kids hurt or killed because the parent was leaving them only for a few minutes. sadly this isn't the 40's or 50's when moms parked the baby carriage outside of the store and went shopping without a concern.

I will admit that I've left my kids in the car to run back in the house to get something or stopped at my mom's to use the bathroom and left the kids in the car. I would never leave keys in there with them! However, I would NEVER go into a store or anything like that with my kids in the car. That mom should have been reported. Those kids could have died, been kidnapped, or the 3yr old could have tried to drive and hurt herself or someone else. This mom should have been reported.

I read some of the replies on here ... calling 911 would have gone long way with this errant mom. Your "don't leave them alone" is reminding her, common sense, to not leave them alone in a running car. Yeah. She didn't have eye contact because she could care less. She will do it again, and she will be sneakier about it in the future. This is the person in our society who does stupid stuff like leaving an infant and toddler in a running car UNSUPERVISED and then cries and blames others when something bad happens to them (when the media shows up).

She is very lucky you cared enough to make her children safe. At the least, you deserved a thank you. So, one mom to another, thank you!

I would have called the police. Let them handle the situation and determine if anything truly illegal was done and if there are consequences. Not only is it unsafe to leave a child unattended (all mom's know it only takes a second for something to happen!), but to leave the car running?!?!? Any deviant could have seized that opportunity to take the car and the children, and then only Lord knows what might have happened. Like another mom mentioned, if you had called the police, at least that way they would have record of it. If she's done it once, chances are she has done this lots of times before (and unfortunately, will probably continue to do it again!).

Kudos to you tho, for caring enough to stop and help and say something to her!

Call the police. It's never ok to leave any child in the car alone for any length of time. It is NOT safe!! The 3 year old should have been in a car seat inside the car, not standing outside the car, and the car should not have been running. If the mom had been with her children this wouldn't be. And what if the store clerk was actually a child molestor instead? That scenario leaves room for too many incidences.

Oh, and just in case the woman leaves before the cops arrive, be sure to take down the tag number.

I would've gotten her license plate number and call the cops. Here's where I'm coming from...my son attends preschool at a local school district. We, the parents, if we have younger children, are not allowed to leave our children in our cars to drop off our preschoolers or we get reported to the police. And, you can see our cars in the parking lot outside the preschool's window which is like 30 feet from the parking lot. That mother was negligent.

M.

I would have called the police immediately and then written down the license plate number. It's against the law from what I have heard, not to mention irresponsible. This is a terrible thing to do, leaving the car running with a 3 yr old and infant, why not just leave them on the street with a "take me" sign hanging around their necks?. If she is doing this now and it's not that hot, will she do it in the summer and the kids could die? I know that's a horrible thing to say, but what else is the neglectful mother doing? That is ridiculous and just plain lazy. Wait to do the shopping when you have help to deal with both in the cart or wait till your husband/boyfriend/friend can watch them. She is lucky that you were not a kidnapper/serial killer/pedophile etc. This is one of the things I hate most, mothers that don't care enough about their kids.

I would have called the police and let them sort it out.

Maybe she just ran to get a cart? But leaving a 3 y/o outside of a car in a parking lot is a bad idea no matter what. Perhaps the little girl climbed out on her own?
I'm not a fan of yanking children away from their parents for stupidity. We all make mistakes. I have some parenting memories I'm a little embarrassed about. I'd be tempted to give her the benefit of the doubt before calling the cops, especially since she seemed so obviously embarrassed.
Hopefully what you said will make her think twice before leaving them again.
One time I saw a small child running in front of his mother towards a store. I was coming out the of the store and I could see a car with its reverse lights on just about to back up. I could see from the timing that this guy would likely hit the kid because he was too short to be seen through the rearview mirror. I ran and stood behind the car, peeving off the driver, but once he realized what I was doing, he thanked me.
Sometimes people just don't think, but we don't need to overly punish them. I think you did the right thing, and God puts us in situations where we can be "angels" for others who need us at that moment. Best.

Wow, so sorry that people do stuff like this. I'm not sure, what i would have done.

I would of called the police that lil girl could of been taken by a stanger used the car to leave it was running a baby in the seat oh my at least the tag # description of the car call the police that is child endangerment then she had the nerve to go into the store shopping.Shame on this mom

It is very stupid for a parent to take a chance like that. The law, however, does not state that you cannot leave a child alone in the car. You do have to keep it short though. I believe the law is that the child cannot be left for more than 10 or 15 minutes. You did what you should. Made the parent aware that her actions are not good, and warned her not to leave them alone. You could also state matter of factly, that it's not safe and it is not legal to leave any child longer then 10 minutes. I tell my children this every time they ask me to leave them in the car. I also explain to them that it is very dangerous. She didn't look at you because she probably felt ashamed or embarrassed or any number of other feelings that can come when a parent is disciplined for questionable parenting. But not all parents think about these things. Not all parents use their brains. Frankly, some parents are not good parents. We don't know what her situation was, if she was trying to rush in for something or spending some time in the store. Laws are in place to help protect children from unsafe situations, but there aren't laws specifically against bad parenting. That would be subjective, and who would decide the stipulations for bad parenting. It's an issue most people wouldn't and probably shouldn't want to step into.

I went to my local CVS one day with my own 3 young children when I noticed the car parked in front of was running, windows cracked with 3 young children in the car. I sat there in my own car contemplating what I should do. Yes, the car was running but knowing how I feel about leaving children unattended, for just that brief period of time, I honestly did not know how to handle it. Should I go into the store and tell a manager? Should I call the police? I took my time getting out of my car and walked slowly to the store, keeping a watchful eye on the car in question, while watching as each customer came out to see who owned the car. A woman existed with nothing more than a carton of cigarettes in her hands and she was indeed the owner of the car with the children who were left unattended. I felt anger towards this woman because she sacrificed her children's safety for cigarettes. How selfish! It's easy to say what we would do in a situation like that but as I've experienced first hand, it's a lot harder to decide when the situation presents itself. It's a tough call because in our minds we are gauging how serious the situation is, nobody got hurt, and then there is how the person will respond.

I would have immediately called 911 and reported the children alone in a running car, giving the license plate and waited by the car to make a report, asking the employee to wait with me until the police came. Maybe it's all my years in childcare as a mandatory reporter, but I wouldn't have given a second thought to calling 911. I hope you never see those kids alone again. Good luck!

I would have called 911. ANYONE could have stumbled across those kids...she's lucky it was you and the store manager. Idiots breed and they're out there.....

Wow! I think sometimes we are so shocked by a situation that we can't even think straight. I'm sure the mom did it intentionally- she showed no remorse or concern for her kids at all. Even if the car wasn't running, it's still horrible. Obviously she was gone for longer than just "going to get a cart". I feel sorry for those kids. I think if it ever happens again, call the police immediately with the plate number and wait for them to arrive so you can give a full account. That's the only way to make sure events like this are documented and the kids are put in a safe house if the parents are repeat offenders. That little girl could have easily been hit by a car or kidnapped. It's too late to do anything about it now, unless you did get the plate number, but if it ever happens again, you'll know what to do.

In this world that we live in that's just crazy. You should have called the police. By the woman's manerisms, she obviously knew what she did was wrong.

Even though it can be hard, I always take my kids in with me. I have a new baby and a 3 1/2 year old who likes to take off. That is a work in progress. He asks me all the time if he can stay in the car and I always say the same thing, you have to come with me. It is illegal but I still wouldn't leave you in here by yourself.
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My mother used to let me nap or if I was being difficult in her eyes, she would leave me but that was so long ago.

I can't believe that people actually leave their kids in their car. This woman left her baby alone as well. Does she not know what can happen. It can happen to any one.

I feel for those kids.

Yes Yes Yes you should most definitely call the police, it's obvious that the mother had no concern for her child, someone has to stick up for that poor child.

I probably would have said what you said, got mad about it also, and then reported her licence plate to the police.
If she is that lazy about her kids, this situation will no doubt rise again and she will get reported. We should pray for her to get enlightened and for her children to receive God's protection.

I would have definitely called the police. Did you get a tag number? If so, I would call them asap to report it. That is just so horrible...It is unbelievable how people just don't think about their children's safety.

OH WOW! Not a surprise, but so sad. people are in too much of a hurry to get their kids out-UUUGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! It happens here all the time and in the HEAT of the Summer which is 100s and in the car 120 plus deg. I would have called the police and if they could not have gotten there in the time I would have wrote down her plate on her car and then went to the police station and tell them what had happened and taken the person who witnessed it with me-That is what I would have done, but the sad part is most people just keep walking as if they saw nothing-SAD! Horrible society we live in. L.:)

please call the ploice if you ever witness this again....when are people going to learn you cannot leave children in a running car ALONE

I really don't know what I would have done. I probably would have contacted the police but sometimes we are shock by the action of this mother. Who would leave their baby and 3 year old toddler alone? What if the 3 year girl get hit by a car. Obviously, she doesn't seem to care for the safety of her two angels. Hopefully, she would not do this again but again if she didn't seem to concern about the safety, of her kids she probably wouldn't stop until she gets a wake up call.

I would call the police. If the mother is not responsible enough to know what danger she put her children in then I believe as adults we have to step in.

Yep, I would have called the police. If she's doing this, who knows how else she might be neglecting them. You should never leave an infant alone in a car, or any child for that matter. Maybe getting caught would be the wake-up call she needs! I've heard of people having their kids taken away for neglect like this.

T.

WOW somthing very simpliar happened to me , I was parked next to a car , it was running and I looked over and saw a infant in her car seat sleeping alone!!! I couldn't believe it and people wonder why there kids get stolen! I waited for the person to come back to the car and a young girl maybe 18 came out and I said to her "that was a really bad idea leaving your baby in the car like that", she just rolled her eyes at me, I backed up and acted like I was getting her plates, she looked scared, I hope it scared her not to ever do that again, I regeret not calling the police though!

O my gosh!!...I would contact social services...the police or whatever....what kind of mother leaves there infant and little girl allone? What if they had been kidnapped or something.... That is just crazy to me

I haven't read the other responses and I'm not here to judge you , just to let you know what I would have done. I would like to say that I would have beaten the mom down, but that is unreasonable in reality and would get me arrested.

I would have called the cops. It is ILLEGAL to leave any child under the age of 6 in the vehicle by themselves! Why do we have to have laws like this??? For people like that mom!

I hope I am not making you feel guilty - that is not my intent at all. You felt you did the right thing at the right time and I applaud you for it!

Here is a link about leaving children unattended in vehicles:
http://www.harrisonshope.org/faq.html

The reason I am a little passionate about this is that I have lived in cities that every year have parents leaving their children in cars (accidently, of course) in the middle of summer. I grew up in 120F weather all summer long, so I know the dangers! Yes, right now it's winter, but really there is no excuse.

I'm glad there are individuals like YOU out there looking out for the best interests of those babies. BABIES!!!! That is what a 3 y.o. and an infant is!

There are a few that say it is not illegal in Florida to leave your children in the car unattended, but that is NOT TRUE! It is illegal.

http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/html/floridalaw/fllaw.html
According to Florida State Statute:

FSS ###-###-#### Leaving children unattended or unsupervised in motor vehicle; penalty; authority of law enforcement officer.

No parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child younger than 6 years of age shall leave such child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period in excess of 15 minutes; however, no such person shall leave a child unattended for any period of time if the motor vehicle is running or the health of the child is in danger.

Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (1) is guilty of a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable by a fine of:
Not more than $100; or
Not less than $50 and not more than $500 if the motor vehicle was running or the health of the child was in danger at the time of the violation.

Any law enforcement officer who observes a child left unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (1) may use whatever means are reasonably necessary to protect the minor child and to remove him from the vehicle.

If the child is removed from the immediate area notification should be placed on the vehicle.

The child shall be remanded to the custody of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services pursuant to chapter 39, unless the law enforcement officer is able to locate the parents or legal guardian or other person responsible for the child.

Take care :)

It is illegal to leave a car running unattended. It is illegal to leave your children unattended. Forgetting both of these things...that mother was irresponsible and placed her three year old in a position of authority that she was certainly unable to handle. If something had happened the child would have felt responsible. Oh, so many angles to be angry about. Bottom line - that is a situation for the police to sort out. Perhaps the mother would have benefited from mandated parenting classes. Children die in cars at other times of the year in Florida...and then there are the predatory adults to consider as well. You really kept your cool well. To finally answer your question, I think I would request that the store manager call the police - and would do so myself if he or she declined.

Absolutely call the police!!! Someone could have easily taken off with those kids never to be seen again!! Who in their right mind leaves children alone in a car? And the car was running? The list of bad things that could've happened are endless. Its disturbing that woman is a parent! Its our job as competent citizens to watch out for children like this. I'd still maybe call, maybe her vehicle can be found by store surveillance. Thats insane!

i would have called the police. some people have the nerve! that story just pi$$es me off. we hear about this all the time on the news. when will people learn? i would hope that the manager of publix called the police. i think they are the ones that are "responsible".

call police, people like her should be neutered. Was she trying to get rid of her kids. Save some money.

I would keep the children safe and call the police.

you did a great thing for those poor babies! I would have for sure called the police.......Thats unreal, she would have never came out if no one went to look for her............How sad

NEVER leave the kids alone, especially with the car running. In hindsight, where we usually find the right answers, I'd have taken down her tag number and called the police to ask their advice. You did the right thing by making your comment.
Apparently the 3 year old let herself out of the car. This put her in jeopardy of being kidnapped. The mother knew she was wrong; but god bless she learned a valuable lesson

Thank goodness you and the other customer said something. The kids being in the car by themselves is bad enough, but with the car running, that's a tragedy waiting to happen. It can never hurt to call the police, at a minimum they could have written a report and gotten the mother's name on the record. Guaranteed if she's done it once. she's done it a dozen times.
Thank you for caring,
S.

I also would have called 911. Given the liscense plate number, make/model of the car..there were 2 children. then given the officer a description of the mother when he/she arrived. I also would have had the officer speak to the employee as a witness. That's def not legal here. Glad the kids are ok and someone was smart enough to get attention to the situation

In a case like this people don't want to get involved, however these days too many horrible things are happening to young children. Had it been me I would have been on the phone to the police immediately. There is no telling what could have happened or how many times this woman has done this before. What is it going to take for women like her to get the message that it isn't okay to leave your children unattended.

Good luck.

S.

Wow T.. I think I would have been like you and just completely shocked! It makes me so sad to see parents so negligent with their children. I think I might have called the police - but easy for me to say since I was not in the situation. Thanks for sharing your story!

I absolutely would have called the police. There are so many things that could have happened that has already been commented on.

I would like to share a story of how strong 3 year olds are, which further explains why it is horrifying to know the girl could have put the car in drive and gotten her and others possibly hurt.

We were visiting family and stayed in their RV in the drive way. My husband and son went out to the RV to get ready for bed. As my husband was making the bed the RV all of a sudden started to move. Our son was entertaining himself at the wheel and put the RV in neutral. My husband had to through it back in park. The keys were not in the RV, my uncle didn't put a block in front of the wheel. Luckily it was a pretty flat drive way and no one was hurt. It sure did scare my son though. If he can do that, think of what a little one could do with a car that is running.

Oh my god, that's just something no mom wants to see. You did the right thing by staying with the girl. I am just floored - I can't believe that mother not only left a 3 year old and a baby in a car alone, but left it running!!!! Had she not come right out when she did, I would have called the police - not to get her arrested, but to scare her straight! Everyone's comfort zone with confrontation is different and I'm glad you said something to her, but I would have really given her a piece of my mind - big time! How can any one in this day and age be so lax with the safety of their children! I'll never understand that!